Speed controlled brake



March 26, 1 c. w. MALIPHANT l 2,194,762

SPEED CNTBOLLED BRAKE Filed oct. s, 1957 62 MAQ.

VA LV E a 24a 125e INVENTOR CHARLES w. MALIF'HANT ATTORNEY vatente f PATENT OFFICE SPEED .CONTROLLED BRAKE Charles W. Maliphant, Wilmer-ding, Pa., assigner to The Westinghouse Air Brake Company, Wilmerding, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application october s, 1997, seriai'No. 167,999

15 Claims.

This inventionA relates to vehicle brakes and particularly to vehicle brakes controlled automatically according to the speed of the vehicle.

Various vehicle brake equipments have been proposed whereby the degree of braking force with which the brakes are applied is controlled automatically according to the speed of the vehicle. Some of these equipments are quite complicated in construction and present numerous problems in the installation and application of the braking equipment to vehicles or cars.

It is an object of my present invention to provide a brake equipment wherein the control according to speed is eiected in a novel manner.

'More speciiically, it is an object of my invention to provide, in a brake control equipment, two connected self-synchronizing motors, which may be of the familiar Selsyn type, onev of which is conditioned at all times according to the speed of the vehicle and the other of which is controlled by and positioned accor ding to the condition of the rst self-synchronizing motor, to control the degree of application of the brakes.

The above objects, and other and more specific objects, which will be made apparent in the subsequent description `oi my invention, are attained by means of several illustrative embodiments of brake equipments shown in the accompanying drawing, wherein,

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic simplied view of a brake control equipment embodying my invention, and

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic simplied view of a different type of brake control equipment also embodying my invention.

Description of embodiment shiown in Fig. 1

The equipment shown in Fig. 1 comprises a brake cylinder II, a reservoir I2, a self-lapping magnet valve device I3 for `controlling the supply of iluid under pressure from the reservoir I2 to the brake cylinder II and the release of uid under pressure from the brake cylinder II, and according to my invention, a pair of self-synchronizing motors I4 and I5, a governor device I6 Vfor controlling one of the motors, such as the motor I4, and hereinafter referred to as the transmitter motor, a rheostat I1 operated by the other vof the self-synchronizing motors I hereinafter called the receiver motor. and an energizing circuit for the magnet valve device I3 including the rheostat I1, a source of electrical energy such as a battery I3, and a brake control switchl9.

Considering thel parts of the equipment in greater detail, the self-lapping magnet valve device I3, which is of well known construction, may comprise a suitable casing 2l containing a solenoid or electromagnet winding 22, a plunger 23 of magnetic material which is shifted to different positions according to the degreeof energization of the magnet winding 22, a movable abutment such as a circular diaphragm 24, clamped in the casing along the periphery thereof and secured to thelower end of the stem or plunger 23 by means of a flanged screw 25 the threaded portion of which extends through a central opening in the diaphragm and screws into a threaded bore or recessv 26 in the lower end of the plunger 23. The magnet valve device I3 also comprises a supply valve 21, of the poppet type, and a release valve 28 of the pin type, integrally joined and formed preferably at opposite ends of a `fluted stem 29, the valves bein operated by movement of the plunger 23.

The supply valve 21 is contained in a chamber 3l of the casing, to which the reservoir I2 is constantly connected as by a pipe 32, and is normally yieldingly urged into seated relation on an associated valve seat by a coil spring 33 contained in the chamber 3| and interposed between the` valve 21 and a cap screw 34 closing the open end of the chamber 3l.

The fluted stem 29 of the supply valve 21 extends through an opening or bore 35 in a wall 36 of the casing 2I into a chamber 31 which is formed between the wall 36 and the lower face of the diaphragm 24. A coil spring 38 concentrically surrounding the uted stem 29 and interposed between the wall 36 and the cap screw at the lower end of the plunger 23 yieldingly resists downward movement of the plunger 23 and normally positions the plunger 23 so that therelease valve 23 is unseated from an associated valve seat, formed on the cap screw 25, to open a port 39 in the cap screw which connects the chamber 31 to atmosphere. The interior of the recess 26 at the lower end of the plunger 23 is open through a port 4I to an annular chamber 42 at the upper side of the diaphragm 24 which is constantly open. to atmosphere through an exhaust port 43. Thus, when the release valve 28 is unseated from its associated valve seat on the cap screw 25, the chamber 31 and the brake cylinder II, which is connected to the chamber 31 through a pipe 44, are vented to atmosphere past the unseated release valve 23 through the port 39, recess 26, port 4I, chamber 42 and exhaust port 43. When the magnet winding 22 is energized suf- 20 downwardly, spring 38 becomes effective to shift ilclently to overcome the resisting force of the spring 38, the plunger 28 moves -downwardly to cause the release valve 28 to seat on its associated valve seat and thus-close the exhaust com.- munication from the brake cylinder to atmosphere. When the degree oi' energization of the magnet winding 22 is further increased, plunger 23 moves further downwardly against the combined resisting force of the springs 88 and 38 and unseats the supply valve 41 to open communication between the chambers 3I and 81 and thus cause fluid under pressure to be supplied from the reservoir I2 to the brake cylinder II.

When the pressure of the fluid supplied to the brake` cylinder II and acting in chamber 81 on the lower face of the diaphragm 24 increases sufficiently that the upward force exerted thereby on the 'plunger 23 substantially counterbalances the magnetic force urging the plunger 23 the plunger 23 upwardly sufficiently to enable the spring 33 to reseat the supply valve 21 and thus close off the further supply of duid under pressure to the brake cylinder II. With the supply of pressure to the brake cylinder II cut oiI no further upward movement of the plunger 28 occurs and thus the release valve 28 remains seated to prevent the exhaust of fluid under pressure from the brake cylinder II to atmosphere.

If the magnet winding 22 is energized to a greater degree, that is, by a higher energizing current, the plunger-23 is again urged downwardly by the magnetic force exerted thereon and supply valve 21 is again unseated to cause further fluid under pressure to be supplied to the brake cylinder II until the pressure of the-fluid in the chamber 31 substantially counterbalances the downwardly exerted magnetic force on the plunger 23, at which time the supply valve 21 is again seated while the release valve 28 remains seated.

It will thus be apparent, upon analysis, that the degree of pressure established in the brake cylinder Il depends upon and is in accordance with the degree of current energizing the magnet winding 22 of the self-lapping magnet valve device I3.

The construction and the theory of operation of self-synchronizing motors is well understood by those skilled in the art and it is, therefore,

-deemed necessary to show the motors I4 and I5 only diagrammatically. The motors I4 and I5 are identical in construction and each comprises a stator field winding I and a rotor 52 having thereon a three-phase Y-connected winding, the connection to the terminals of the three-phases of the rotor winding being effected by means of three suitable slip rings, not shown, on the rotor shaft 53. The stator windings 5I of the two motors I4 and I5 are connected in parallel relation to the same circuit, which may be a singlephase, one hundred and ten volt, sixty cycle, alternating-current circuit having the two supply wires 54 and 55.

The three terminals of the Y-connected winding on the rotor 52 of the motor I4 are connected by three separate wires 55, 51 and 58 to corresponding terminals of the like Y -connected winding on the rotor 52 of the motor I5.

In operation, with the stator field winding 5I of the two self-synchronizing motors I4 and I5 energized, the rotor 52 of the motor I5 is always positioned according to the position of the rotor 52 of the motor I4. If the rotor 52 of the motor I4 is rotated on its shaft 58 through an angle, the rotor 52 of the motor I5 ls simultaneously rotatedrthrough a corresponding angle in a corresponding direction.

The theory of operation of self-synchronizing motors I4 and I5 is that the single-phase current in the stator windings 5I induces voltage In the three legs of the Y-connected winding on the rotor 52. 'I'he voltages induced in the diiferent legs are not equal in magnitude and vary with the position of the rotor. When the rotors of the two-motors I4 and I5 are in exactly corresponding positions, the voltages induced in corresponding legs oi' the rotor winding of the two motors are equal and opposite, that is, they are balanced and thus no current ows through the wires 58, 51 and 58 connecting the windings. If, however, the rotor 52 of the motor I4 is shifted through an angle or rotated, the voltages induced in the corresponding legs oi' the rotor windings are different and thus current flows in the wires 58, 51 and 58 and through the various legs of the Y-connected windings to cause a torque to be exerted on the rotors.

With the rotor 52 of the motor I4 held in its displaced position, the torque exerted thereon is without effect, but since the rotor 52 of the motor I5 is permitted to rotate or move freely, the torque exerted thereon causes the rotor to turn to a degree and at a speed corresponding to the `degree of displacement of the rotor 52 of the motor I4 or the speed of rotation thereof, and it finally comes to rest at a position substantially the same as that assumed by the latter rotor.

According to my invention, I employ a governor I 5 to rotarily shift the rotor 52 of thev motor I4 over a limited angle to different rotary positions, according to the speed of the vehicle, and the rotor 52 of the motor I5 to correspondingly shift the ann 5I ofthe rheostat I1 to different taps 52 along the resistor 58 of the rheostat.

Since the motor I4 controls the position of the motor I5, the motor I4 will be referred to herein as the transmitter motor and the motor I5 as the receiver motor.

The governor I5 has been diagrammatically shown as comprising a rotary element 54 which is rotatably supported in a. casing 65, a portion of which is shown, and fixed on a shaft 55 that is rotated according to the speed of the vehicle, as through a driving mechanism, such as a gear train or an endless belt, connecting the shaft to van axle of the car. The rotary element 64 carcasing 55 and theupper face of the flange 59.

The upper end of the stem is suitably pivoted toian arm 13 which is keyed or otherwise suitably fixed to the shaft 53 of the rotor 52 of the motor I4. It will thus be apparent that when the vehicle is traveling at a high speed, the stem 10 is raised, for example, to the position shown in Fig. l; As the speed of the vehicle reduces, the spring 1I becomes effective to shift the stem 10 downwardly and thus through the arm 13 effects a corresponding shifting of the rotor 52 of the motor Il in a counterclockwise direction as indicated by the arrow. When the vehicle reduces below a certain uniform low speed, beyond which the spring 1I is ineffective to produce further downward movement of the stem 10 the rotor 52 of the transmitter motor Il remains thereafter in a certain uniform position. J

'I'he brake control switch I9 is shown in the form of a manually operable rheostat comprising a resistor 15 with a plurality of taps and a pivoted arm 16 which is provided with a handle 11 adapted to be grasped by the hand of the operator for shifting the arm 16 from a normal disengaged position into engagement with the end tap on the resistor 15 to complete the simple circuit shown in the drawing for energizing the magnet winding 22 of the self-lapping magnet valve device I3, which circuit includes battery I8 and the rheostat I1 operatedv by the receiver motor I5.

Operation of embodimentshown in Fig 1 Let it be assumed that the vehicle is traveling along the road at a relatively high speed with the brakes released, that is, with the brake control switch I9 in open position and with the If it is desired to effect an application of the brakes, the operator may shift the arm 16 of the brake control switch I9 into contact with the end tap of the resistor 15 and thus complete a circuit for energizing the magnet winding 22 of the self-lapping magnet valve device I3 to a certain degree. Since the rotor 52 of the receiver motor I5 is positioned according to the position of the rotor 52 of the transmitter motor I4 and since the latter rotor is positioned correspondingly to a relatively high speed, arm 6I of the rheostat device I1 engages a tap 62 of the resistor 63 so as to include a minimum amount of the resistor 63 in the circuit of the magnet winding 22 of the self-lapping magnet valve device I3. The arrangement of the rheostat I1 and its operating motor i5 is such that the amount of 'the resistor 63 included in the circuit of the magnet winding 22 of the self-lapping magnet valve device I3 decreases, as the speed of the vehicle increases, and when the vehicle orcar exceeds a certain high speed the amount of resistor 63 Y included in this circuit is a minimum.

It will thus be apparent that the magnet winding 22 of the self-lapping magnet valve device I3 is energized to a relatively high degree with the result that a ,relatively high pressure is established in the rake cylinder II by operation of the self-lappi g magnet valve device I3.

Now, as the speed of the vehicle reduces, and the governor device I6 operates to shift the arm 13 and connected rotor 52 of the transmitter motor I4 correspondingly in a counterclockwise direction, the rotor 52 of the receiver motor I5 is correspondingly moved and thus the arm v6I of the rheostat I1 is shifted in a counterclockwise direction to include an increasing amount ofthe resistor 63 of the rheostat I1 in circuit with the magnet Winding 22 of the self-lapping magnetvalve device I3. Thus, since the pressure estabuniform low speed and no furthershifting of the rotor 52 of the transmitter motor Il occurs, the arm 6I of rheostat I1 associated with the receiver motor I5 will have shifted suiciently in the counterclockwise direction to include substantially all of the resistor 63 of the rheostat I1 and thus the magnet winding 22 will beenergizedrto a minimum degree. The brake cylinder pressure and thus the degree of braking force with which the application of the brakes is eieeted will, correspondingly, be a minimum.

It willbe apparent that the operator may select any desired initial degree of brake application by shifting the arm 16 of the brake control switch I9 to include varying `amounts of the resistor 15, associated with the brake control switch I9, in the circuit of the magnet winding 22 of the self-lappingv magnet valve devicel1. Obviously, as the arm 16of thebrake control switch' I9 is shifted in a clockwise direction, an increasing amount of the resistor 15 is cut out of the circuit, and thus themagnetwinding 22 of the self-lapping magnet valve device I3 will be energized to an increasing degree to establish a correspondingly higher brake cylinder pressure.

When the vehicle comes to a stop, the operator may also shift brake control handle 16 to increase the brake cylinder pressure from that to which it was reduced as the train or `vehicle approached the stop, in order to hold the car against creepage on a grade. l

Description of embodiment shown in Fig. 2

Referring to Fig. 2, a second embodiment of my invention is shown which differs from that of Fig. 1 in the substitution of acontrol valve mechanism III for the self-lapping magnet valve device I3 and also in having a brake valve device 82, a pressure operated switch device 83, and a contact arm or segment 84 operated by the rotor 52 of the receiver motor I5. The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 includes the same arrangement of self-synchronizing motors I4 and I5 and a governor I6 controlling the motor I4 as in the embodiment shown in Figql, but for simplicity, only the receiver motor I5 is shown.

Considering the parts of the equipment in greater detail,` the brake valve device 82, which is illustratively shown as of the `so-called combination straight-air and automatic type described and claimed inthe copending application Serial No. 105,659, of Ellis E. Hewitt, led October 15, 1936, and assigned to the assignee of the present application, is provided for controlling the pressure in a pipe 85 hereinafter called the control pipe.

In view of the fact that the brake valve device V `82 is described in detail in the copending application mentioned above, it is deemed unnecessary to describe the construction of the brake valve 82 except to explain that `it includes `a selflapping valve mechanism the operation of which is effected by an operating handle 86 which is shifted in a horizontal planethrough anangle over a so-called application zone. The handle 86 is normally in a brake release position and in such position that the valve mechanism operated thereby eiects release of fluid under pressure from the control pipe 95 to atmosphere. As the operating handle 86 is shifted into the application zone from release position, the valve mechanism is operated thereby to establish a pressure in the control pipe 95 corresponding to the degree to which the handle is displaced out of its release position, ,fluid under pressure being supplied to the control pipe 95 from the reservoir i2 by way of a pipe 81 connecting the reservoir |2 and brake valve device 92 and hereinafter referred to as the supply pipe.

The control valve mechanism 9| represents, in simplified form, a type of valve mechanism described in detail and claimed in copending application, Serial No. 88,098, of Ellis E. Hewitt, iiled June 30, 1936, and assigned to the assignee of the present application, certain parts ofthe valve mechanism being omitted for simplicity. 'I'he control valve mechanism 9| comprises a sectional casing having a relay valve section 9| a diaphragm section 92 which is suitably secured to the section 9| as by bolts, not shown, two cover sections 99 and 94 respectively secured to the diaphragm section 92 as by bolts, not shown, and a magnet valve section 95 secured to the valve section 9| as by bolts, not shown.

Formed in the casing section 9| is a chamber 96 which is constantly connected to and charged with fluid under pressure from the suppy pipe 91. Contained in the chamber 96 is a valve 99, hereinafter designated the supply valve, which is normally yleldingly urged into seated relation on an associated valve seat by a coil spring 91. When the supply valve 98 is unseated, it establishes' .communication through a bore in which the fluted stem attached to the supply valve 99 is guided, to a chamber 99 in the casing section 9|. Chamber 99 is constantly connected to the brake cylinder as through a pipe and passage A valve |02, hereinafter designated the release valve, is provided for controlling the exhaust of fluid under pressure from the brake cylinder and chamber 99 to atmosphere through an exhaust port and passage |99.

'I'he supply valve 99 and the release valve |92 are operated by a lever |94 which is pivoted substantially intermediate the ends thereof, as by a pin |05, on a plunger or stem |06 which is contained in the chamber 99 and suitably supported and guided in the casing section 9|. Interposed between the casing section 9| and one end of the plunger |06 is a coil spring |01, the plunger |06 having a recess |09 in the end thereof for receiving the spring |01. The spring |01 yieldingly urges the plunger 06 in the right-hand direction, as seen in Fig. 2, to a maximum extent, the lower end of the pivoted lever |94 engaging a stop screw |99 fixed in the casing section and extending into the chamber 99, thereby causing the lever |04 to rock in a clockwise direction on the pin |05. The upper end of the pivoted lever |04 is bifurcated and straddles a reduced portion ||9 of a stem on which the release valve |02 is carried. The upper bifurcated end of the pivoted lever |04 is rounded on opposite sides and thus, while snugly retained between the spaced shoulders at opposite ends of the reduced portion ||0, may pivot with respect to the stem With the lower end of the vpivoted lever |94 engaging the stop screw |09 and the plunger |06 urged to a maximum extent in the right-hand direction, the upper end of the lever |94 causes the stem carrying the release valve |92 to be shifted in the right-hand direction against the yielding resistance of a spring ||2 interposed between the v n; section 9i and the end of the stem to a position such that the release valve |02 is unseated from its associated valve seat on the casing section 9| and the-exhaust communication thereby opened from the brake cylinder lsd chamber 99 to atmosphere through the port When the plunger |06 is shifted in the lefthand direction from the position shown, the release valve |92 is rst seated and then the supply valve 99 is unseated. 'I'he spring 91 maintains the supply valve 99 seated with suilicient force to hold the lower end of the pivoted lever |94 against movement, a uted spacer which is guided in the casing section 9|, being interposed between the lower end of the lever |09 and the inner end of the iluted stem of the supply valve 99. Thus, upon the initial movement of the plunger |06 in the left-hand direction, the lever |04 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction about the lower end thereof to cause the stem to be shifted in the left-hand direction to effect the seating of the release valve |02. After the release valve |92 is seated, the upper end of the lever |04 is held against movement and thus, as the plunger |06 moves further in the left-hand direction, the lever |94 is pivoted in a clockwise direction about the upper end thereof to eil'ect unseating of the supply valve 99 against the force of the spring 91.

When the plunger |06 is moved in a reverse direction back toward the position shown, the spring 91 acts to seat the supply valve 98 and incidentally rock the lever |04` on the pin |05 to maintain the release valve |02 'seated When the plunger |96 is shifted suiilciently in the righthand direction to permit the supply valve 99 to be seated, further movement of the plunger |06 in the right-hand direction causes the lever |99 to be pivoted in a clockwise direction about the lower -end thereof and thus effect unseating of the release valve |92.

The plunger |96 is shifted to effect operation of the supply valve 99 and the release valve |02 by means of a plurality of movable abutments or diaphragms H3, H9, IIE and ||6 of successively smaller effective pressure areas in the order named, the diaphragms being disposed in spaced coaxial relation and suitably clamped along the periphery thereof in the casing section 92.

Suitably supported in a bore |19 in the casing section 9| is a follower disc I8 associated with theputer face of the largest diaphragm H9. The bore ||9 is connected to the chamber 99 of the casing section 9| through an opening |20 and the head end of the plunger |06 extends through the opening |20 into contact with the follower disc ||9 substantially coaxially with the diaphragms |-|9 to H9.

The arrangement of the diaphragms ||3 to I6 in the casing section 92 is such as to form a chamber |23 between the diaphragms ||3 and H8, a chamber |24 between the diaphragms Hd and H5, a chamber |25 between the diaphragms and H6, and a chamber |29 between the diaphragm ||6 and the cover section 93, the latter chamber being constantly connected through a passage 95a to the control pipe 85.

In order to maintain a minimum spacing be.

aromas |26 being ilared slightly so as to engage a stop shoulder |29 on the casing section 92 to limit the movement of the diaphragm I |3 'in the righthand direction by theplunger |66.

It should be observed particularly that the diaphragms IIS to I|6 are unconnected and that they may be moved collectively or individually.

Contained in the casing section 62 are three one-way or loaded check valves |33, |34 and |35, which are yieldingly biased into seated relation on corresponding associated valve seats in such manner as to prevent ow of fluid under pressure from the control pipe 65 and passage 65a therepast to the chambers |23, |24 and |25, respectively, While permitting reverse ow of fluid under pressure .from the chambers |23, |24 and |25 respectively to the passage 65a leading to the control pipe 65 whenever the pressure in the chambers exceeds that in the control pipe by a slight amount. The purpose of the check valves |33, |34 and |35 will be made apparent hereinafter.

'Ihe magnet valve casing section 95 contains three electromagnet valve devices, hereinafter designated the high magnet valve device |4I, the medium magnet valve device |42, and the low magnet valve device |43, which function to control the supply of uid under pressure to and the release of iluid under pressure from the chambers |23, |24 and |25 respectively.

The high magnet valve device |4| comprises a pair of oppositely seating valves, hereinafter called the supply valve and the release valve |46, which are yieldingly urged by a spring |41 into seated and unseated position, respectively, and which are actuated against the force of the spring |41 to unseated and seated positions, respectively, upon energization of an electromagnet |48. With the release valve |46 unseated as shown, communication is established from a passage I23a, connected to the chamber |23 between the diaphragms ||3 and II4, to an atmospheric exhaust passage |5| containing a restricted portion |52, this communication being closed when the release valve |46 is seated. When the supply valve |45 is unseated, communication is established from the passage 65a and the connected control pipe 65 to the passage |23a, this communication being closed when the supply valve |65 is seated.

The medium magnet valve device |42 is identical in construction to the high magnet valve device |4| and comprises a pair of oppositely seating 'supply and release valves |55 and |56 respectively, which are yieldingly urged into seated and unseated positions, respectively, by a spring |51 and actuated against the force of the spring |51 into unseated and seated positions, respectively, upon energization of an electromagnet |58. With the release valve |56 unseated, as shown,

communication is established from a passage |24a, connected to the chamber |24 between the diaphragms ||4 and ||5, to an atmospheric exhaust passage |6| containing a restricted portion |62, this communication being closed when the release valve |56 is seated. With the supply valve unseated, communication is established from the passage a and the connected control pipe 65 to the passage |24a leading to the chamber ||4, this communication being closed when the supply valve |55 is seated.

The low magnet valve device |43 comprises a double beat valve |66 which is urged to an upper seated position by a spring |61 and to a lower seated position against the torce of spring |61 upon energization of an electromagnet |66. With the double beat valve |56 in its upper seated position, as shown, communication is established from the passage 65a and the connected control pipe 65 to a passage |25a leading to the chamber |26 between the diaphragme ||6 and ||6. With the double beat valve |66 in its lower seated position, communication from the passage 65a to the passage |25a is closed and another communication is opened through which the passage |25a leading from the chamber |25 is connected to an exhaust passage |1| containing a restricted portion |12, this exhaust communication being closed when the double beat `valve is in its upper seated position.

The high, medium' and low magnet valve devices |4|, |42 and |46 are selectively energized and deenergized by movement of the contact segment 64 which is operated according to the movement of the rotor 52 of the receiver motor l5.

The contact segment 64 comprises an arcuate contact member |15 which is xed in insulated relation thereon, the contact member |15 being arranged to cooperatively engage a plurality of contact fingers |6I, |62 and |66 which are concorresponding terminals of the electromagnet windings |46, |56 and |66 of the high magnet valve |4I, the medium magnet valve- |42 and the low magnet valve |43, respectively.

The opposite terminals of the windings |46, |56 and |66 are connected to one terminal o! a source of current, such as the battery |6, as through a ground connection in the manner shown. The contact member |15 of the segment 64 is arranged to be connected to the opposite or non-grounded terminal of the battery |6 by the pressure operated switch device`63 whenever the pressure in the control pipe exceeds a certain uniform low pressure such as ve pounds per square inch.

As diagrammatically shown, the pressure operated switch device 83 may comprise a casing containing a piston |9| having a stem |92 on which is carried in insulated relation a contactbridging member |63 for cooperatively connecting in circuit-closing relation a pair of fixed contact members |94, one of which is connected to the non-grounded terminal of the battery I6 and the other of which is connected by a flexible wire to the contact member |15. At one side of the piston I9| is a spring |61 which yieldingly urges the piston downwardly into engagement with the end cover of the casing, in which position the contact-bridging member |63 disengages from the contact members |94 and thus interrupts the connection of the battery I6 to the contact member |15. At the opposite side of the piston nected to the control pipe 65 pipe |99.

Whenever the pressure of the iiuid supplied into the control pipe 65 and acting in the chamber |66 on the piston |9| is suiilcient to overcome the spring |61, the piston |6| is shifted upwardly and the contact-bridging member |93, correspondingly, into circuit-closing engagement with the contact members |64.

The arrangement of the receiver motor I5 and the contact segment 64 is such that as long as the speed of the vehicle or train exceeds a certain high speed, such as sixty miles per hour, the contact member |15 on the contact segment 64 engages only'the contact fingers |6| and |62. Thus, when the pressure operated switch 6l is operated through a branch |9| is a chamber |96 which is constantly connected by wires |64, |65 and |66, `respectively, to l 4device |42 are energized, the low magnet valve device being deenergized.

As the speed of the vehicle reduces, the rotor 52 of the receiver motor I4, and consequently the contact segment 84, is shifted correspondingly in a counterclockwise direction. When the speed of the vehicle reduces below the uniform high speed, such as sixty miles per hour, the contact member |15 disengages the contact member |8l, thus effecting deenergization of the high magnet valve 4| while maintaining the medium magnet valve |42 energized.

As the speed of the vehicle reduces lfrom the uniform high speed of sixty miles per hour, the contact segment |15 shifts with respect to the contact finger |82 but remains in contact therewith until the speed of the vehicle reduces to below a medium uniform speed, such as forty miles per hour. at which time the contact member |15 disengages the contact finger |82 and thus eiects deenergization of the medium magnet valve |42.

Since the contact member |15 has not, thus farr engaged the contact nger |83, the low magnet valve |48 has remained deen.

As the speed of the vehicle or train reduces from the medium uniform speed, such as forty miles per hour, the contact segment 84 continues to shift in a counterclockwise direction and the arrangement of the contact member |15 with respect to the contact fingers |8|, |82 and |83 is such that it does not engage the contact finger |83 to effect energization of the low magnet valve |43 until the speed of the train reduces to a substantially uniform low speed, such as twenty miles per hour. As the speed of the train reduces' Operation of equipment shown in Fig. 2

Assuming that the reservoir I2 is charged to the normal pressure carried therein as from a fluid compressor, not shown, and that the train is traveling along the road at a relatively high speed in excess of the certain uniform high speed of sixty miles per hour, the operator may eilect an application of the brakes to a desired degree by shifting the operating handle 88 of the brake valve device 82 from release position into application zone to establish a certain pressure in the control pipe 85. For the purpose of illustration let it be supposed that the operator establishes a fluid pressure in the control pipe 85 of seventy ve pounds per square inch.

Since the train is traveling inexcess of the uniform high speed of sixty miles per hour, the contact member |15 of the contact segment 84 engages the contact ngers |8| and |82 and thus when the pressure in the control pipe 85 increases suiilciently to o tethe pressure operated switch device 83 to circuit-closing position, the high and medium magnet valve devices |4| and |42 are energized.

It will be apparent upon analysis and from previous description that with the high and medium magnet valve devices |4| and |42 energizedand the low magnet valve device |43 deenergized, diaphragm chambers |28, |24 and |25 will be supplied with iluid under pressure from and according to the pressure established in the control pipe 85, the chamber l@ at the right of the smallest diaagm il@ being also charged with uid under pressure from and at the pressure in the control pipe 85 since it is'directly connected thereto through the passage 85a.

Obviously, the fluid pressures on opposite sides of the diaphragms ||4, ||5 and ||8 are equal and thus these diaphragms remain stationary at this time. However, the pressure ofthe fluid supplied to the chamber |28 and acting on the righthand face of the largest diaphragm ||3 exerts a force to shift the plunger |86 in the left-hand direction to eect operation of the release valve |82 and supply valve 88 in succession, in the manner previously described, to cause fluid under pressure to be supplied from the supply pipe 81 past the supply valve 88 to the chamber 88 and the connected brake cylinder i.

When the pressure in the brake cylinder I and the connected chamber 88 of the control valve mechanism 8| builds up to substantially the pressure established in the control pipe 85 and in the diaphragm chamber 23, the spring |81 shifts the plunger |88 sufficiently in the righthand direction to lap the supply of uld under pressure to the brake cylinder. `Zit will be apparent that the pressure established in the control pipe 85 and that established in the brake cylinder are substantially equal, that is they are in one-to-one ratio with respect to each other. Assuming that seventy-five pounds per square inch pressure is established in the control pipe 85, a pressure of seventy-five pounds per square inch is also established in the brake cylinder When the train reduces in speed below the uniform high speed of sixty miles per hour and the high magnet valve |4| is deenergized as previously described, the diaphragm chamber |23 is vented to atmosphere through the exhaust passage |5| associated with the high magnet valve |4I, the rate of reduction of pressure in the chamber |23 being controlled according to the size of the restricted portion |52 of the passage |59. Upon the reduction of the pressure in the chamber |23, the higher brake cylinder pressure effective in chamber 88 on the follower disc H8 associated with the largest diaphragm ||3 shifts the diaphragm ||8 in the right-hand direction and thus the spring |81 actuates the plunger` |88 to eilect unseating of the release valve |82 and the consequent release of fluid under pressure from the brake cylinder It will be apparent that the rate of' release of fluid under pressure from the brake cylinder will correspond substantially to the rate of reduction of pressure in the diaphragm chamber |28.

When the fluid under pressure in the dlaphragm chamber |23 has been completely vented and the chamber |23 is at atmospheric pressure, it will be seen that the forceurglng the plunger |88 in the left-hand direction is that produced by the uid pressure in the diaphragm chamber |24 acting over the effective pressure area of the diaphragm ||4. As previously stated, the diaphragms ||3 to ||8 are of successively decreasing area in the order named and for the purpose of more readily understanding the operation of the control valve mechanism 8| let it be assumed that the effective pressure areas of the diaphragms ||3, ||4, ||5 and ||6 may be expressed as one hundred units, seventy-five units, fifty units and thirty-three units of area respectively.

It should now be apparent that if the area of the diaphragm |4 is only seventy-live perV cent 75 the chamber reduced to atmospheric pressure in the manner just described will be in ratio to the pressure established in the control pipe 85 and effective in the diaphragm chamber |24 according to the ratio between the areas of the diaphragms ||4 and ||3 respectively.. Thus, it will be seen that following the reduction in the speed of the train below the uniform high speed of sixty miles per hour, the brake cylinder pressure will be reduced at a predetermined controlled rate until it attains a pressure of seventy-five per cent of the pressure established in the control pipe 85, at

` `which time no further reduction in brake cylinder pressure will occur. It the fluid pressure in the control pipe 85 is seventy-five pounds per square inch, the reduced pressure thus established in the brake cylinder will be about fifty-six pounds per square inch.

When the train reduces below a medium speed, such as forty miles per hour, and the medium magnet valve device |42 is deenergized due to disengagement of the'contact member |15 from the contact finger |82 in the manner previously described, fluid under pressure will accordingly be vented to atmosphere from the diaphragm chamber |24 by way of the exhaust passage |8|, the pressure reducing at a rate determined by the restricted portion |82 of the exhaust passage |8| As in the previous instance, the brake cylinder pressure effective in the chamber 98 on the left-hand face of the largest diaphragm ||3 overcomes the opposing reducing force of the fluid pressure in the chamber |24, and the spring |81 becomes effective to shift the plunger |86 to again unseat the release valve |82 to cause release of fluid under pressure from the brake cylinder by way of the exhaust port |83, the rate of reduction in brake cylinder pressure corresponding substantially to the rate'of 'reduction of pressure in the chamber |24.

When the fluid under pressure in the dlaphragm chamber |24 is entirely vented to atmosphere and atmospheric pressure is established in |24, the force urging the plunger |88 in the left-hand direction is that produced by the fluid pressure in the chamber |25 acting on the diaphragm ||5. Thus, assuming that the diaphragm ||5 has an effective pressure area which is fifty per cent of that of the largest diaphragm H3, it will be seen that pressure in the brake cylinder will be reduced to a value which is fifty per cent of that established in the control pipe 85 and rdiaphragm chamber |25. `With seventy-ve pounds per square inch pressure established in the control pipe 85, the pressure in the brake cylinder Il will thus be reduced to about thirty-seven pounds per square inch,

The brake cylinder pressure will remain at a value of fifty per cent of that established in the control pipe 85 until such time as the contact member |15 of the segment 84 associated with the receiver motor I5 is shifted into contact with the contact member |83 to effect energization of the low magnet valve |43. Upon energization of the lo'w magnet valve |43, fluid under pressure in the diaphragm chamber |25 will be released to atmosphere by way of the exhaust passage at a rate determined by the restricted portion |12. As in previous instances, the release valve |82 will be accordingly operated to release fluid under pressure from the brake cylinder at a rate corresponding to the rate of reduction of the pressure in the diaphragm chamber |28 until such time as the fluid 1n the chamber |28 is reduced to atmospheric pressure.

With the chambers |23, |24 and |25 at atmospheric pressure, the force urging the plunger |86 inV the left-hand direction is produced by the fluid under pressure in chamber |28 acting on the smallest diaphragm ||8 and thus the fluid in the brake cylinder will be reduced to a pressure which will bear the same ratio to the pressure established in the control pipe 85 as the area of the diaphragm ||8 bears to the area of diaphragm III. If as assumed previously, the diaphragm I8 has an area which is thirty-three per cent of the area ofthe largest diaphragm I3, it will be apparent that the pressure to which the fluid in the brake cylinder is reduced at this time will be thirty-three per cent of the control pipe pressure of seventy-five pounds per square inch or about twenty-ve pounds per square inch. As the train continues to reduce in speed below the uniform low speed of twenty miles per hour, the contact member |15 continues to engage contact member 83 and thus when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. the pressure maintained in the brake cylinder is that determined by the ratio of the area of the smallest diaphragm ||8 to the area of the largest diaphragm ||3 which ratio, as just explained, is thirty-three per cent of the pressure established in the control pipe 85.

Obviously, since the operator may vary the pressure in the control pipe 85 at will during an application of the brakes, he may increase the pressure in the control pipe 85 to any desired value up to the maximum pressure, such as' one hundred pounds per square inch, in which case the pressure established in the brake cylinder at the time the vehicle or train is stopped will be thirty-three pounds per square inch.

Before starting the train, the operator may effect release of the brakes merely by shifting the operating handle 88 of the brake valve device 82 `to release position to effect reduction of the pressure in the control pipe 85 and in the connected diaphragm chamber |28 to atmospheric pressure. Upon such reduction of the pressure in the chamber |28, the release valve |82 is operated to release position shown and maintained in such release position to effect the completev release of fluid under pressure from the brake cylinder through the exhaust port |83, thereby effecting complete release of the brakes.

If the train is travelingv at some speed within the range between the uniform high speed of sixty miles per hour and the medium speed of forty miles per hour at the time the application of the brakes is initiated, it will be understood to the minimum pressure ratio, with respect to the pressure established in the control pipe l5.

In a similar manner also if the trainis traveling at a speed within the range betweenA the medium speed of forty miles per hour and the uniform low speed oi' twenty miles per hour at the time the application of the brakes is initij ated, the maximum initial brake cylinder pressure will be fty per cent of the pressure established in the control pipe 35 due to the fact that both the diaphragm chambers |23 and |24 are vented to atmosphere under the control of the high and medium magnet valves |4| and |42 respectively.

Also in a similar manner, i! the application of the brakes is initiated at a time that the train is traveling at a speed below the uniform low speed of twenty miles per hour, the maximum initial brake cylinder pressure will be thirty-three per cent of the pressure established in the control pipe 85.

In the previously described operation, it was assumed that a certain pressure was established in the control pipe B and maintained therein throughout the application of the 'brakes without change. However, in the event that the operator desires to vary pressure in the control pipe 85 during the application of the brakes he may do so by operation of the brake valve device 32. If the pressure in the control pipe 85 is increased from that initially established at the time the application of the brakes is initiated, the pressure in the brake cylinder will be increased substantially immediately according to the increase in pressure in the control pipe 55 since the forces on the diaphragms H3, |I4, |I5 or ||5 will be proportionately varied according to the fluid pressure in the associated diaphragm chambers |23, |24, |25 and |25. In any case, however, the ratio or percentage of the pressure in the brake cylinder with respect to the pressure in the control pipe will not change within any given speed range.

If the operator reduces the pressure in the control pipe 85 during an application of the brakes. the pressures in the diaphragm chambers |23, |24, and |25.are immediately and rapidly reduced to the pressure in the control pipe 85 past the one-way or check valves |33, |34 and |35, re-

spectively, and thus the brake cylinder pressure is reduced according to the reduction ot the prsure in the control pipe 35.

Summary summarizing, it will be seen that I have disclosed two types of brakeequipment embodying my invention. In the ilrst type the pressure in the brake cylinder is controlled continuously and progressively according to the speed of the vehicle, while in the second type the pressure in the brake cylinder is reduced in a succession of predetermined steps as the speed of the train reduces into consecutively lower speed ranges.

A particularly feature of both embodiments is the provision of self-synchronizing motors connected as transmitter and receiver, the transmitter being controlled according to a variable operating condition of the vehicle, such as the speed oi' the vehicle, and the receiver being efiective to control a control valve device controlling the degree of pressure established in the brake cylinder.

While I have shown only two embodiments oi' my invention, it will be apparent that various omissions, additions or modications may be made in the embodiments shown without departing from the spirit of my invention. It is, therefore. not my intention to limit the scope of my invention except as 4it is necessitated by the scope of the prior art.

Having now described my' invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent. is:

1. In a vehicle brake system, the combination with means ior effecting an application of the brakes, of a pair of self-synchronizing motors so arranged that the rotor of one of said motors moves synchronously with the rotor of the other oi.' said motors, means for rotarily shifting the rotor oi said other motor within a range less than l one complete revolution to diiIerent positions corresponding to a variable operating condition of the vehicle, and means controlled according to the position of the rotor oi' said one motor for controlling the degree of application of the brakes.

2. In a vehicle brake system, the combination with means for eecting an application of the brakes, of a pair of self-synchronizing motors so arranged that the rotor of one of said motors moves synchronously with the rotor of the other of said motors, means for rotarily shifting the rotor oi' said other motor within a range less. than one complete revolution to diierent positions according to the speed of the vehicle, and means controlled according to the position of the rotor of said one motor for controlling the degree of application of the brakes. I

3. In a vehicle brake system, the combination with means for eilecting an application of the brakes. of a pair of self-synchronizing motors so arranged that the rotor oi one of said motors moves synchronously with the rotor oi.' the other of said motors, means for rotarily shifting the rotor o! said other motor within a range less than one complete revolution to different positions corresponding to a variable operating condition of the vehicle, and electroresponsive means controlled by the rotor of said one motor for controlling the degree of application of the brakes.

fi. In a vehicle brake system, the combination with means for effecting an application of the brakes, of a pair of self-synchronizing motors so arranged that therotor of one oi' said motors moves synchronously with the rotor of the other of said motors, means for rotarily shifting the rotor of said other motor within a range less than one complete revolution to different positions according to the speed of the vehicle, and electroresponsive means controlled by the rotor oi' said one motor for controlling the degree of application of the brakes.

5. In a vehicle brake system, the combination with means for eiIecting' an application of the brakes, of a pair of self-synchronizing motors so arranged that the rotor of one of said motors moves synchronously with the rotor oi.' the other of said motors, means for rotarily shifting the atomes shifting the rotor oi said other motor within a range less than one complete revolution to diiierent positions according to a variable operating condition o! the vehicle, and self-lapping valve means controlled by the rotor of the said one motor for controlling the degree of pressure established in the brake cylinder.

'1. In a vehicle brake system, in combination, brake means, a pair of self-synchronizing motors so arranged that the rotor of one of said motors moves synchronously with the rotor of the other of said motors, means for shifting the rotor of said other motor to different positions according to a variable operating condition of the vehicle,

and self-lapping magnet valve means having electroresponsive means and operative to cause application of the brake means to different degrees according to the degree of energization of said electroresponsive means, the rotor of the said one motor being effective to control the degree of energization of said electroresponsive means according to the position thereof.

8. In a vehicle brake system, in combination, brake means, a pair of self-synchronizing motors so arranged that the rotor of one of said motors moves synchronously with the rotor of the other of said motors, means for shifting the rotor of said other motor to different positions according to a variable operating condition of the vehicle, and self-lapping magnet valve means having electroresponsive means and operative to cause application of the brake means to diierent degrees according to the degree of energization of said electroresponsive means, and currentvarying means controlled according to the position of the rotor of said one motor for controlling the degree of energization of said electroresponsive means.

9. In a vehicle brake system, in combination, a brake cylinder, a self-.lapping magnet valve means having electroresponsive means and eiective to establish dierent pressures in the brake cylinder according to the current energizing said electroresponsive means, a circuit for supplying current to said electroresponsive means, manually operated means for completing said circuit, current-varying means in said circuit operative to vary the current supplied to the electroresponsive means, a pair of self-synchronizing motors so arranged that the rotor of one of said motors moves synchronously with the rotor of the other of said motors, means for rotarily `shifting the rotor of the said other motor according to a variable operating condition of the vehicle, the rotor of the said one motor beingv arranged to eiIect the operation of said currentvarying means to vary the current in the said circuit according to the position thereof.

10. In a vehicle brake system, in combination, a brake cylinder, a self-lapping magnet valve means having electroresponsive means and effective to establish different pressures in the brake cylinder according to the current energizing the electroresponsive means, a circuit for supplying current to the electroresponsive means, manually operated means normally in a position to open said circuit and operative to a plurality of circuit-closing positions, current-varying means eective to control the degree of current supplied to the electroresponsive means according to the circuit-closing position of the manually operated means, a second current-varying means for controlling the degree of current supplied to the electroresponsive means, a pair of self-synchronizing motors arranged so that the rotor of one oi' said motors moves synchronously with the rotor of the other of said motors, means for rotarily shifting the rotor oi the said other motor to different positions according to-a variable operating condition of the vehicle, said second current-varying means being eiective to control the degree of current supplied to the electroresponsive means according to the position of the rotor of said one motor.

l1. In a vehicle brake system, in combination, brake means, a pair of self-synchronizing motors so arranged that the rotor of one oi.' said motors moves synchronously with the rotor of the other a brake cylinder, a normally uncharged pipe4 chargeable with fluid at different pressures, variously conditionable brake control means operative to establish any one of a plurality of dlilerent pressures in the brake cylinder in response to charging of said pipe with fluid at a given pressure according to the condition thereof, a pair o self-synchronizing motors so arranged that the rotor of one of said motors moves synchronously with the rotor of the other of said motors, means for rotarily shifting the rotor of the said other motor to dierent positions according to a variable operating condition of the vehicle, the rotor of said one motor being effective to vary the condition of the said brake control means according to the position thereof.

13. In a vehicle brake system, in combination, a brake cylinder, a normally uncharged pipe chargeable with uid at different pressures, brake control means variably conditionable and operative to establish any one of a plurality of different pressures in the brake cylinder when the said pipe is charged with fluid at a given pressure depending upon the condition thereof, a pair oi self-synchronizing motors so arranged that the rotor of one of said motors moves synchronously with the rotor of the other of said motors, means for rotarily shifting the rotor of the said other motor to diierent positions according to the speed of the vehicle, the rotor of the said one motor being effective to cause variation of the condition of the brake control means according to the position thereof.

14. In a vehicle brake system, in combination, brake means, a plurality of electroresponsive means effective to cause the brake means to eiect application of the brakes to a plurality of different degrees dependent upon the electroresponsive means being simultaneously or individually energized and deenergized, a pair of self-synchronizing motors so arranged that the rotor of one of said motors moves synchronously with the rotor of the other of said motors, means for shifting the rotor of the other of said motors to different positions according to a variable operating condition of the vehicle, and circuit-controlling means operative to a plurality of different positions corresponding to the position of the rotor of said one motor for selectively controlling the said plurality of electroresponsive means.

sltionsaccording to a variable operating condition of the vehicle. and circuit-controlling means elective to selectively control the energization and deenergizatlon of the plurality ot electrotesponslve means according to the position o! the rotor of said one motor in such manner as to eii'ect reduction in the degree of application of the brakes in a succession of predetermined steps as the speed of the vehicle reduces.

CHARLES W. MALIPHANT. 

